Sauté the Vegetables: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot set over medium-high heat, melt the butter until it becomes foamy. Add in the mirepoix consisting of diced onions, chopped carrots, and thinly sliced celery, stirring frequently until the onions soften and turn a light golden brown, which should take about 6 minutes.
Add Aromatics and Broth: Incorporate minced garlic into the pot and cook until it releases its fragrance; then add dried thyme leaves along with the two bay leaves to bloom their flavors while continuously stirring for about one minute.
Build Flavor: Pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth into the pot and use a wooden spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot—this step is crucial as it enhances flavor.
Prepare Chicken: After adding in all remaining broth, stir well and cover it to bring to a boil—this should take roughly 5 minutes—then reduce heat to let it simmer gently while tasting for seasoning before adding salt, black pepper, onion powder, and turmeric.
Cook Chicken Breasts: Carefully submerge two chicken breasts into your flavorful broth ensuring they are fully covered; cover your pot again and allow them to simmer for around 20 minutes until fully cooked through.
Finish Up Your Soup: Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot onto a plate; check that its internal temperature reaches at least 165°F using a meat thermometer before letting it cool down enough for handling—around ten minutes should do!